Kendrick Lamar has officially released a new track titled "Watch the Party Die" on his Instagram account. This five-minute song marks the first new music from the rapper since his previous release, "Not Like Us." The debut of this track follows Lamar's recent announcement as the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, a selection that has incited a divide among fans.
Some fans argue that fellow rapper Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native, should have been the performer instead, especially considering the location of this year's Super Bowl. Prominent figures in the hip-hop community, including Nicki Minaj, have openly expressed their support for Lil Wayne, acknowledging his significant influence over the genre. Conversely, supporters of Kendrick maintain that his accolades, which include a Pulitzer Prize, justify his selection as the Super Bowl headliner.
The announcement of the Halftime Show has generated controversy online, fueling heated discussions amongst fanbases. In his new song, Lamar references ongoing tensions within the music scene, rapping, "Just walked that man down, that'll do everyone a solid / It's love but tough love, sometimes you gotta result in violence." The track cover features a pair of well-worn black Air Force 1 sneakers, which fans speculate may allude to Kendrick's well-documented feud with fellow rapper Drake, particularly regarding Drake's track "Push Ups," which teased Kendrick's shoe size.
Additionally, Lamar mentions notable figures within the music industry, such as Terrace Martin and Christian rapper Lecra, as well as a nod to media personality DJ Akademiks. He critiques the media landscape with the line, "The radio personality pushing propaganda for salary / Let me know when they turn up as a casualty."
To listen to Kendrick's new track, visit the Instagram post. For more details on the Super Bowl announcement, read more here.